Dive Brief:
Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) and AES Corp. have executed and filed a power purchase agreement with Hawaii regulators to develop a solar-powered pumped hydro storage project the utility says will bring its total resource mix above 80% renewables.
The West Kauai Energy Project could come online in 2024. A solar array will be capable of sending 35 MW directly to the island s grid and an associated battery will store up to 240 MWh for dispatch during evening peak. The hydro resources are expected to produce 24 MW on average daily, including 12 hours of storage to be used overnight
KIUC says the project will meet about 25% of the island s electricity needs, and puts it on track to exceed the utility s target of reaching 70% renewable generation by 2030.